Separator for separating a fluid from a material mixture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a separator (100, 110) for separating a fluid from a material mixture, the separator (100, 110) comprising: - a first electrical coupling element (101), - a second electrical coupling element (103), and - a plurality of layered assemblies (113), each layered assembly (113) comprising: - a first electrode (105a), - a second electrode (105b), - a separator (109) arranged between the first electrode (105a) and the second electrode (105b), - a first conductive element (107a), - a second conductive element (107b), and - an electrical insulator (111), wherein the first electrode (105a), the separator (109) and the second electrode (105b) are arranged between the first conductive element (107a) and the second conductive element (107b), and the first conductive element (107a) rests on the insulator (111), and wherein each layered assembly (113) is wound in a plurality of layers around the first electrical coupling element (101), and the second electrical coupling element surrounds the plurality of layered assemblies (113).

Description

[0001] R.414311

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] title

[0005] Separator for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances

[0006] The presented invention relates to a separator for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances, a method for manufacturing a separator and an energy converter according to the attached claims.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Known separators for separating a fluid, such as carbon dioxide, from a mixture of substances, such as exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, are based on a stacking arrangement in which cells of flat electrodes, flat bipolar plates and flat separators are stacked on top of each other.

[0009] In order to keep a flow of substance mixture through such a stack arrangement within the stack arrangement, its cells must be elaborately sealed against the environment.

[0010] Accordingly, such stacking arrangements are complex to manufacture and expensive.

[0011] Disclosure of the invention

[0012] Within the scope of the presented invention, a separator for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances, a method for manufacturing a separator, and an energy converter are presented. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the separator according to the invention, R.414311, apply.

[0013] - 2 - naturally also in connection with the inventive method or the inventive energy converter and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, mutual reference is always made or can be made.

[0014] The invention presented here serves in particular to provide an inexpensive and energy-efficient separator, especially for separating carbon dioxide from a mixture of substances.

[0015] Thus, according to a first aspect of the presented invention, a separator for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances is presented.

[0016] The presented separator comprises a first electrical coupling element, a second electrical coupling element, and a number of layer arrangements, wherein each layer arrangement comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an electrical insulator, wherein the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are arranged between the first conductive element and the second conductive element, and the first conductive element rests on the insulator, and wherein each layer arrangement is wound around the first electrical coupling element in several layers, and the second electrical coupling element surrounds the number of layer arrangements.

[0017] In the context of the presented invention, guiding elements are understood to be elements for distributing a voltage or a corresponding electric current through the separator, in particular between respective cells or electrodes of the separator.

[0018] The presented separator is used in particular for so-called "Electric Swing Adsorption" (ESA) and is based on a radial arrangement of its components, i.e., a first electrical coupling element, a second electrical coupling element, a number of electrodes, a number of conducting elements, a number of separators, and a number of insulators. R.414311

[0019] - 3 -

[0020] Accordingly, the presented separator does without flat cells and forms a body that is particularly suitable for linear flow.

[0021] The radial arrangement of the components of the presented separator allows them to be designed with a particularly large surface area, so that, in order to provide a given active reaction area, fewer layers or fewer cells are needed compared to a corresponding stacked arrangement, which minimizes the risk of an undesirable displacement of the components relative to each other.

[0022] It may be provided that the first conductive element is electrically isolated from the second conductive element by the insulator.

[0023] Electrically isolated, adjacent conductive elements form individual cells surrounded by the conductive elements and electrically isolated from each other.

[0024] It is possible for the layer arrangement to consist of flexible plates stacked on top of each other. Flexible plates made of, for example, thin layers of metal and / or plastic can be easily wound around the first electrical coupling element. Furthermore, flexible plates allow for adjustment of the shape or geometry of the separator, enabling it to be adapted to a specific installation situation.

[0025] The separator can be designed as a tube, particularly a cylinder. Due to its tubular, and especially cylindrical, design, the separator is particularly easy to manufacture and therefore cost-effective.

[0026] For example, the separator can be constructed from flexible components so that its shape can be adapted to a specific installation situation. In particular, the first electrical coupling element and the second electrical coupling element can consist of an electrically conductive fabric, especially an electrically conductive plastic. R.414311

[0027] - 4 -

[0028] Accordingly, in a tubular separator, the inlet and outlet can be offset from each other, for example to achieve a space-optimized geometry. Fluids flowing into the inlet then travel directly or via the shortest possible path to the outlet.

[0029] Alternatively, in the case of a cylindrical separator, its inlet and outlet can be designed on one plane or along one axis, so that the separator can be flowed through linearly and, as a result, can process large masses of mixture.

[0030] It can further be provided that the first electrical coupling element is a solid metal cylinder and the second electrical coupling element is a metallic tube. A solid metal cylinder is suitable as the core of the proposed separator because it gives the separator mechanical stability and conducts an induced electrical current through the separator, particularly into the electrodes.

[0031] A metallic tube is suitable as the outer shell of the presented separator, as it gives the separator mechanical stability and conducts a coupled electric current through the separator, especially into the electrodes, and furthermore seals the separator fluid-tight against an environment.

[0032] It may further be provided that the separator includes a voltage source whose first electrical pole is coupled to the first electrical coupling element and whose second electrical pole is coupled to the second electrical coupling element. A voltage source, such as a battery or a generator, energizes the electrodes of the separator via the first and second electrical coupling elements, thereby generating an electrical potential in the separator which, at the first polarity, is used to deposit a target fluid, such as...

[0033] Carbon dioxide, which is present at the electrodes and, with a reversed second polarity, leads to the expulsion of the target fluid from the electrodes. R.414311

[0034] - 5 -

[0035] It can further be provided that the first electrical coupling element forms a helix, creating a first protrusion, and the second electrical coupling element forms a helix, creating a second protrusion, with the first and second protrusions being offset from each other so that a constant distance is maintained between the first and second electrical coupling elements. By using helically shaped electrical coupling elements that form two offset protrusions, a constant distance is achieved between the first and second electrical coupling elements, which accordingly exerts a uniform pressure on components located between the first and second electrical coupling elements.In particular, helically shaped electrical coupling elements avoid a gap at the beginning of a first layer arrangement that is wound around the first coupling element and enable a particularly tight pressing of the first layer arrangement against the first electrical coupling element.

[0036] It may also be provided that the layer arrangement and / or the second electrical coupling element is surrounded by a number of clamping elements that hold the separator together. Clamping elements, such as metallic wires or plastic clamps, compress the separator evenly and thereby hold it in a predetermined shape.

[0037] According to a second aspect, the presented invention relates to a method for manufacturing a separator for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances.

[0038] The presented method comprises encasing a first electrical coupling element by a number of layer arrangements, wherein each layer arrangement comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first conducting element, a second conducting element and an electrical insulator, wherein the first electrode, the separator and the second electrode are arranged between the first conducting element and the second conducting element. R.414311

[0039] - 6 - and the first conductive element rests on the insulator, wherein a respective layer arrangement is wound around the first electrical coupling element in several layers.

[0040] Furthermore, the presented method includes the insertion of the first coupling element, enclosed by the number of layer arrangements, into a second electrical coupling element.

[0041] The presented method is particularly suitable for the production of the presented separator.

[0042] It can be provided that individual layer arrangements or components forming a layer arrangement are wound around the first electrical coupling element. By winding layer arrangements or components forming a layer arrangement around the first electrical coupling element in an offset position relative to each other, a particularly compact design of the presented separator is achieved. For this purpose, individual layer arrangements or components forming a layer arrangement can be supplied from different points and wound in parallel around the first electrical coupling element, so that only thin layers are bent or wound with minimal force, which together form a thick structure.

[0043] It can further be provided that the second electrical coupling element is heated before the insertion of the first coupling element, which is encased by the number of layer arrangements, in order to maximize its diameter, and cooled after the insertion of the first coupling element, which is encased by the number of layer arrangements, in order to minimize its diameter. Heating the second electrical coupling element and thereby maximizing or increasing its diameter particularly facilitates the insertion of a thick arrangement into the second electrical coupling element. R.414311

[0044] - 7 -

[0045] Subsequent cooling of the second electrical coupling element minimizes or reduces its diameter, allowing the second electrical coupling element to clamp the inserted components and secure them in position.

[0046] It can further be provided that the second electrical coupling element has a diameter that provides a buffer zone between the second electrical coupling element and the first coupling element enclosed by the number of layer arrangements, wherein the second electrical coupling element is deformed in the buffer zone so that the second electrical coupling element clamps the first coupling element enclosed by the number of layer arrangements. To deform the second electrical coupling element in its buffer zone, the second electrical coupling element can, for example, be pressed in or pulled together so that the second electrical coupling element tightens.

[0047] It can further be provided that the first electrical coupling element is mechanically enlarged in diameter after the first coupling element, encased by the number of layer arrangements, has been inserted into the second electrical coupling element. This mechanical enlargement of the diameter of the first electrical coupling element generates pressure on the respective components surrounding it, pressing the components against the second electrical coupling element and thereby securing them in their position.

[0048] In particular, it may be provided that the diameter of the first electrical coupling element is increased by moving a thickening first part of the first electrical coupling element relative to a second part of the first electrical coupling element, or by moving several parts forming the first electrical coupling element, which interlock in a first position, into a second position in which the parts radially overlap each other. R.414311

[0049] - 8 -

[0050] According to a third aspect, the presented invention relates to an energy converter for converting energy.

[0051] The presented energy converter comprises a combustion unit and a possible configuration of the presented separator. Due to the presented separator, the exhaust gas from the presented energy converter is particularly environmentally friendly.

[0052] Advantages described in detail for the separator according to the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the method according to the second aspect of the presented invention and to the energy converter according to the third aspect of the presented invention, and vice versa.

[0053] Further advantages, features, and details of the presented invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0054] They each show schematically:

[0055] Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of the presented separator,

[0056] Figure 2 shows another possible embodiment of the presented separator,

[0057] Figure 3 shows another possible embodiment of the presented separator,

[0058] Figure 4 shows a possible embodiment of the presented method,

[0059] Figure 5 shows a detailed representation of another possible embodiment of the presented method, R.414311

[0060] - 9 -

[0061] Figure 6 shows a detailed representation of a further possible embodiment of the presented method.

[0062] Figure 7 shows a detailed representation of a further possible embodiment of the presented method,

[0063] Figure 8 shows a detailed representation of a further possible embodiment of the presented method,

[0064] Figure 9 shows a detailed representation of a further possible embodiment of the presented method and

[0065] Figure 10 shows a representation of a possible design of the presented energy converter.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a separator 100 for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances.

[0067] The separator 100 comprises a first electrical coupling element 101, a second electrical coupling element 103 and a number of layer arrangements 113.

[0068] Each layer arrangement 113 comprises a first electrode 105a, a second electrode 105b, a separator 109 arranged between the first electrode 105a and the second electrode (105b), a first conductive element 107a, a second conductive element 107b and an electrical insulator 111, wherein the first electrode 105a, the separator 109 and the second electrode 105b are arranged between the first conductive element 107a and the second conductive element 107b and the first conductive element 107a rests on the insulator 111.

[0069] As an example, a single layer arrangement 113 is wound in several layers around the first electrical coupling element 101. The second electrical coupling element surrounds the number of layer arrangements and seals them against the environment. R.414311

[0070] - 10 -

[0071] Fig. 2 shows another separator 110, whose first electrical coupling element 101 and second electrical coupling element 103 are flexibly designed so that the separator 110 can be adapted to a given installation space.

[0072] In Fig. 3, the separator 100 is shown from the outside with a covering structure 115, which is formed from a plurality of metallic wires 117 and which holds the separator 100 together.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows a method 200 for manufacturing the separator 100 according to Fig. 1.

[0074] The method 200 comprises an encapsulation step 201 in which a first electrical coupling element is encapsulated by a number of layer arrangements and an insertion step 203 in which the first coupling element 101 encapsulated by the number of layer arrangements 113 is inserted into the second electrical coupling element 103.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows the wrapping step 201 and the insertion step 203 in detail.

[0076] In the encapsulation step 201, the layer arrangement 113 is provided as a flat and flexible element and wound around the round or cylindrical first electrical coupling element 101.

[0077] In insertion step 203, the first electrical coupling element 101 wrapped with the layer arrangement 113 is inserted into a preformed second electrical coupling element 103, or the second electrical coupling element 103 is wound around the first electrical coupling element 101 wrapped with the layer arrangement 113.

[0078] Figure 6 shows a possible embodiment of the encasing step 201 in detail. R.414311

[0079] - 11 -

[0080] Here, different layer arrangements 113 are applied at different locations on the first electrical coupling element 101 and wound around it.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows different types of the insertion step 203. In a first insertion step 203a, the second electrical coupling element 103 is pressed into a buffer area 119, so that the second electrical coupling element 103 is clamped and the components arranged in the second electrical coupling element 103 are fixed.

[0082] In a second insertion step 203b, the second electrical coupling element 103 is pulled together in the buffer area 119, so that the second electrical coupling element 103 is tensioned and the components arranged in the second electrical coupling element 103 are fixed.

[0083] Figure 7 shows a third insertion step 203c, in which the first electrical coupling element 101 is mechanically enlarged by moving several parts 121 forming the first electrical coupling element 101, which interlock in a first position 205, into a second position 207 in which the parts 121 radially overlap each other. Accordingly, in the second position 207, the first electrical coupling element 101 presses the layer arrangement 113 against the second electrical coupling element 103 and secures it in its position.

[0084] Furthermore, Fig. 7 shows a fourth insertion step 203d in which the first electrical coupling element 101 is mechanically enlarged by moving a thickening first part 123 of the first electrical coupling element 101 relative to a second part 125 of the first electrical coupling element 101, such that the thickening first part 123 spreads the second part 125. Accordingly, in the second position 207, the first electrical coupling element 101 presses the components against the second electrical coupling element 103 and secures them in their position. R.414311

[0085] - 12 -

[0086] In Fig. 8, the first electrical coupling element 101 and the second electrical coupling element 103 are helical and helical in shape, respectively.

[0087] The first electrical coupling element 101 forms a first protrusion 127 and the second electrical coupling element 103 forms a second protrusion 129.

[0088] Due to the correspondingly shaped and relative to each other, in particular non-overlapping, protrusions 127 and 129, the distance between the first electrical coupling element 101 and the second electrical coupling element 103 is the same everywhere, and the pressure acting on the layer arrangement 113 is the same.

[0089] Furthermore, the layer arrangement 113 lies close to the overhangs 127 and 129.

[0090] Figure 10 shows an energy converter 300 for converting energy.

[0091] The energy converter 300 comprises a combustion unit 301 and a separator 100.

Claims

R.414311 - 13 - Claims 1. Separator (100, 110) for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances, wherein the separator (100, 110) comprises: - a first electrical coupling element (101), - a second electrical coupling element (103) and - a number of layer arrangements (113), each layer arrangement comprising (113): - a first electrode (105a), - a second electrode (105b), - a separator (109) arranged between the first electrode (105a) and the second electrode (105b), - a first guiding element (107a), - a second guiding element (107b) and - an electrical insulator (111), wherein the first electrode (105a), the separator (109) and the second electrode (105b) are arranged between the first conducting element (107a) and the second conducting element (107b) and the first conducting element (107a) rests on the insulator (111), and wherein a respective layer arrangement (113) is wound in several layers around the first electrical coupling element (101) and the second electrical coupling element surrounds the number of layer arrangements (113).

2. Separator (100, 110) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first conducting element (107a) is electrically insulated from the second conducting element (107b) by the insulator (111). R.414311 - 14 - 3. Separator (100, 110) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of layer arrangements (113) consists of flexible plates arranged on top of each other.

4. Separator (100, 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separator (100, 110) is a tube, in particular a cylinder.

5. Separator (100, 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrical coupling element (101) is a solid metal cylinder and the second electrical coupling element (103) is a metallic tube.

6. Separator (100, 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separator (100, 110) comprises a voltage source, the first electrical pole of which is coupled to the first electrical coupling element (101) and the second electrical pole of which is coupled to the second electrical coupling element (103).

7. Separator (100, 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electrical coupling element (101) forms a helix which forms a first superstructure and the second electrical coupling element (103) forms a helix which forms a second superstructure, wherein the first superstructure and the second superstructure are aligned offset from each other, such that a distance between the first electrical coupling element (101) and the second electrical coupling element (103) is constant. R.414311 - 15 - 8. Separator (100, 110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer arrangement and / or the second electrical coupling element is surrounded by a number of clamping elements that hold the separator together.

9. Method (200) for manufacturing a separator (100, 110) for separating a fluid from a mixture of substances, wherein the method (200) comprises: - Enclosing (201) a first electrical coupling element by a number of layer arrangements, each layer arrangement comprising (113): - a first electrode (105a), - a second electrode (105b), - a separator (109) arranged between the first electrode (105a) and the second electrode (105b), - a first guiding element (107a), - a second guiding element (107b) and - an electrical insulator (111), wherein the first electrode (105a), the separator (109) and the second electrode (105b) are arranged between the first conducting element (107a) and the second conducting element (107b), and the first conducting element (107a) rests on the insulator (111), and wherein a respective layer arrangement is wound around the first electrical coupling element (101) in several layers, and - Insertion (203) of the first coupling element (101) enclosed by the number of layer arrangements into a second electrical coupling element (103).

10. Method (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that respective layer arrangements (113) or respective components forming a layer arrangement (113) are wound around the first electrical coupling element (101) relative to each other. R.414311 - 16 - 11. Method (200) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the second electrical coupling element (103) is heated before the insertion (203) of the first coupling element (101) enclosed by the number of layer arrangements (113) in order to maximize its diameter and after the insertion of the first coupling element (101) enclosed by the number of layer arrangements (113) The coupling element (101) is cooled in order to minimize its diameter.

12. Method (200) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the second electrical coupling element (103) has a diameter which provides a buffer zone (119) between the second electrical coupling element (103) and the area defined by the number layer arrangements (113) provide the first coupling element (101) enclosed, wherein the second electrical coupling element (103) is deformed in the buffer region (119) so that the second electrical The coupling element (103) clamps the first coupling element (101) enclosed by the number of layer arrangements (113).

13. Method (200) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the first electrical coupling element (101) is mechanically enlarged in its diameter after the first coupling element (101) enclosed by the number of layer arrangements (113) has been introduced into the second electrical coupling element (103). R.414311 - 17 - 14. Method (200) according to claim 13, characterized in that the first electrical coupling element (101) is enlarged in its diameter by moving a thickening first part (123) of the first electrical coupling element (101) relative to a second part (125) of the first electrical coupling element (101), or by moving several parts forming the first electrical coupling element (101). Parts (121) which interlock in a first position (205) are brought into a second position (207) in which the parts (121) radially overlap each other, or the first electrical coupling element (101) forms a helix which forms a first protrusion (127) and the second electrical coupling element (103) forms a helix which forms a second protrusion (129), wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are aligned offset from each other in order to maintain a constant distance between the first electrical coupling element (101) and the second electrical coupling element (103).

15. Energy converter (300) for converting energy, wherein the energy converter (300) comprises: - a combustion unit (301) and - a separator (100, 110) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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